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====== Chart Installation ======

OpenCPN does not come with charts, however there are many Chart Sources, and it does come with a [[opencpn:manual_advanced:charts:sources#gshhg_background_charts|Background Map (GSHHS Low Res)]] installed which shows the Continents. This GSHHG Basemap is always displayed, regardless of chart groups, and it can be improved with a [[opencpn:manual_advanced:charts:sources#chart_downloader_has_high_res_gshhg|High Resolution GSHHG Background Map]].
For more detail see [[opencpn:manual_advanced:background_map|Background Map]].\\

{{:opencpn:manual_basic:get_started:background-map-gshh.png?200|}}

Charts are a complex subject due to the many Chart Formats available. OpenCPN can read BSB, S-57 unencrypted and early CM93 charts natively. There are also a number of OpenCPN Chart plugins which enable reading specialized and encrypted chart sets.  

{{:opencpn:manual_basic:get_started:chart_example.png?600|}}

Having accurate and current charts is important for safe navigation. The USA provides free NOAA Charts as do many other countries. The built-in **ChartDownloader** Tool will download free (S-57) NOAA ENC digital and RNC raster Charts which OpenCPN can read natively without use of a Plugin.\\

==== Three excellent ways to install Charts ====

  * [[:opencpn:opencpn_user_manual:charts:chart_downloader_tab|Chart Downloader Tab]] Download free S-57 charts near or in your area. Recommended first step for new users, to experiment with Charts and learn the process.

  * [[opencpn:manual_basic:get_started:chart_install:manual_install|Chart Manual Install]]  Download any S-57 NOAAA ENC Chart from [[https://charts.noaa.gov/ENCs/ENCsIndv.shtml|Individual ENC Charts]], unzip and copy them into your Charts directory following //Chart Manual Install// instructions. 
    * NOAA Free S-57 Format ENC & RNC Charts (USA) 
      * [[https://charts.noaa.gov/ENCs/ENCsIndv.shtml|Individual ENC Charts]] Download any one, unzip and install. 
      * [[http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/|NOAA's Chart Download website]]
      * [[https://charts.noaa.gov/ENCs/ENCs.shtml|NOAA ENC USA Charts]]
      * [[https://charts.noaa.gov/RNCs/RNCs.shtml|NOAA RNC USA Charts]]
      * [[https://ienccloud.us/ienc_s57.cfm|NOAA IENC USA Inland Marine Charts]]

  * [[https://o-charts.org/?lng=en|O-Charts.org]] and [[https://opencpn-manuals.github.io/main/o-charts/index.html|O-charts Plugin]] Encrypted S-57 Charts
      * [[https://o-charts.org/?lng=en|O-Charts.org]] A chart provider for OpenCPN charts. The most reasonable and easiest way to purchase charts for most worldwide cruising grounds and in your area. 
      * [[https://opencpn-manuals.github.io/main/o-charts/index.html|O-charts Plugin]] enables OpenCPN to read encrypted S-57 RNC and ENC (actually a OpenCPN SENC file). Note: O-charts_pi takes the place of the oeSENC_pi and oeRNC_pi plugins. 
      * Start by installing the [[https://opencpn-manuals.github.io/main/o-charts/index.html|O-charts Plugin]], creating an account on [[https://o-charts.org/?lng=en|O-Charts.org]], purchasing some charts and following the instructions. 

==== Where is my Chart Directory? ====

Find the location of your Chart Files.

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  - In OpenCPN, from Toolbar, pick **About "?"**, then click on the //Config File// link.
  - The file should open in your text editor. 
  - Search for the parameter "**BaseChartDir=**"
  - Make note of the Charts Folder path.
  - The other alternative is to try searching your hard drive for "Chart"
\\
==== Getting started using OpenCPN consists of 3 basic steps ====

   - //[[:opencpn:manual_basic:get_started:chart_install|]]// (this page) of Charts to be read by OpenCPN (OpenCPN does not include charts)
  - //[[:opencpn:manual_basic:toolbar:options:charts|Charts]]// Basic Features - Main Source for using charts
  - //[[:opencpn:manual_basic:get_started:gps|]]// to communicate with your computer and OpenCPN (Optional, but very useful)
Completing these 3 steps will get you started and allow you to check out the program. \\  

If you still have questions  there is a large supportive OpenCPN community in this [[https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/|Cruisers Forum]].

==== Important next step ====

  * [[:opencpn:manual_basic:get_started:gps|GPS Setup]]





